Monday, July 8, 2013

The Name Game: Rainbow Hare

Today Janine is here from Rainbow Hare, all the way from East Sussex, United Kingdom. Not only does she sew and quilt, she makes the cutest little hares (you can read her "March Hare" blog post here).


How did you choose the name for your blog?
The short answer is that I called this blog ‘Rainbow Hare Quilts’ because I had a different blog called ‘The Rainbow Hare’ and I made this blog to focus on sewing, quilts and textile art. I couldn’t manage to keep up with two blogs, though, and this was the one I’ve kept going with. I originally intended to turn some designs from the first blog into quilts and wall hangings on this one but I’ve only done one so far…

The answer to “Why Rainbow Hare” is a little longer:

Before I started blogging I saw some hares in cages at an agricultural show. At that time I was studying and working long hours and I had no time to do anything creative. I identified with the hares as being confined and prevented from natural expression and creativity so the idea of a hare becoming free of its cage was like a metaphor for starting to blog and sewing again.

 I chose the ‘rainbow’ part because I associate colour with happiness and difference and possibility (for example, you can combine or mix colours in new ways and endless variations), as opposed to monochrome shades which I put on the side of the cage, for example being dull and grey and dreary or having rigid black and white thinking.(Later I discovered I’d actually seen Belgian Hares, which are a type of domesticated rabbit so named because they originated in Belgium and have been bred to resemble hares http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-belgian-hare.htm/).
 

Were there other names you considered, and can you share any of them with us?

I didn’t consider any other names at the time. The other day I thought ‘The Quilter of Foxhunt Green’ might have a nice ring to it but if we ever move house I’d have to change it again!
 

Now that you are recognized by Rainbow Hare, are you happy with it, or do you wish you could change it to something else?
 I’m happy with the ‘Rainbow Hare’ part but I’m not so sure about the word ‘Quilts’. I do love making quilts but I also like making wall hangings, cloth dolls, felt hares…anything in fabric or yarn so I think my blog is really a sewing blog rather than a strictly quilting one.

Thanks so much, Janine, for playing the Name Game today. Please stop by Rainbow Hare and say hi to Janine.

Next week, Molly will be here from Sew Wrong Sew Right. She has a great story about a blog name she might have considered. You won't want to miss it. And then we will take a break until September. Stay cool.

14 comments:

05 08
Susan said... #

I love the idea of the hare being confined, as described by Janine. Such an interesting concept. Her little blue mini quilt is adorable!

M-R Charbonneau said... #

I love Janine's work and blog!

Lucy | Charm About You said... #

Janine is such a lovely person and I adore all her makes. That fishing boat mini is a true favourite! Great to hear how she got her name :)

Needled Mom said... #

What lovely items she creates! She is a new blog to me so thanks so much for introducing her to us.

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

What a great story behind a blog name! I love Janine and the things she makes, particularly 'Old man and the sea', that's definitely my favourite!

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said... #

Thank you so much for featuring me, Cindy. I feel very honoured to be playing the name game :)

Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation said... #

Thanks for sharing! I really enjoy Janine's blog, and her creations are beautiful!

:) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

Mrs Flying Blind... said... #

Yay for Janine, on the other side of the county!

Patti said... #

I'm a longtime fan of Janine's work, so thanks for featuring this lovely lady and her creativity! Love seeing some of my favourites in the interview too!

Vicki said... #

I do enjoy Janine's site! Thank you Cindy, for featuring her on the Name Game!!

Anne / Springleaf Studios said... #

I really like the connection Janine made to being confined and not able to be creative. She has certainly found her way out of the confinement.

Molly said... #

Love all the beautiful items here- the hares are just precious and I love that flag quilt! Thanks for the great post Cindy and Janine!

Benta AtSLIKstitches said... #

brilliant! and lovely to see the quilts again

CATHY DANIEL said... #

Loved seeing all these wonderful quilts - a very talented lady! And just a few counties away from me here in England! xCathy